The next to last week of September has ended with at least three fatal accidents (As of Friday). According to the Iowa State Patrol, an accident in Hardin County at around 10:30-a.m. Friday, claimed one life and resulted in injuries to another person. Authorities say a 2011 Chevy Avalanche driven by 18-year-old Alexazander Purman, of Elkader, was traveling east on Highway 20, when it entered the median and continued into the westbound lanes, where the pickup collided head-on with a 2016 Ford Explorer.

Purman was flown by Aircare to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. He was not wearing a seat belt. The driver of the SUV, 61-year-old Bryan Harken, of Spencer, was wearing a seat belt but died from his injuries at the scene. The accident remains under investigation.

A collision Thursday evening in Jasper County claimed the life of a man on a bicycle. The State Patrol reports a 2017 Ford Escape driven by 19-year-old Halli Kay Versteegh, of Newton, was traveling south on S-74 near Newton at around 7:30-p.m., when it struck a bicyclist who was riding down the middle of the road. 58-year-old Mark Wayne Adkins, of Newton, died from his injuries after being flown to Mercy Hospital, in Des Moines by Mercy Air helicopter.

And, as we reported earlier, the Iowa State Patrol reports a woman was struck and killed by a school bus Thursday morning, in Guttenberg. The Patrol report says 66-year-old Judy Puls, of Guttenberg, was crossing a street when a school bus driven by 73-year-old Ronnie Moser was attempting to make a turn and struck her. Puls died at the scene. No charges have been filed as the State Patrol continues to investigate.

(Menlo, Iowa) – An accident involving a semi-tractor trailer rollover had eastbound Interstate 80 in Adair County blocked in both lanes, and traffic being re-routed, Friday afternoon. According to the Iowa State Patrol, the accident happened near Greenfield exit (Exit 86).  Eastbound traffic was diverted to an alternate exit and around the crash scene. Additional information is not available as of the time of this report.

ATLANTIC- Atlantic, IA — Flu season is approaching soon, and Atlantic Medical Center, RHC is making it easy for patients to get their annual flu vaccine. This year, options include drive-thru appointments, immunizations at school, and satellite clinics in Anita, Griswold, and Massena. Drive-thru flu shots will begin this Monday, September 27th and continue through the end of October. Cass Health Chief Clinic Administrator Tammy Bireline says “Patients loved the convenience of the drive-thru appointments last year, and we’re happy to offer the service again.” Appointments can be made by calling 712-243-2850. Appointments are available on Monday and Friday mornings from 8 am to noon and on Wednesday afternoons from 2 to 6 pm. The drive-thru will be located in the curved driveway on 10th street, at the top of the staff parking lot (Lot D).

Flu Shots at School:

Students at Atlantic High School, Atlantic Middle School, CAM, and Griswold can receive their shots at school this year. Bireline says “Flu shots will be available at most of the schools this year, which is a great option for busy families.” Parents who want their student to receive the flu shot at school need to complete the required consent form (download at casshealth.org) and return it to the school by October 1.

Flu Shots in Anita, Griswold, Massena:

While drive-thru flu shots will not be available at Atlantic Medical Center’s satellite locations in Anita, Griswold, and Massena, people are still able to easily receive their flu shot in each clinic. “We encourage people to call ahead and make sure that we have the flu vaccine readily available at that location. Most of the time, we’re able to make same-day appointments for those folks to stop in and get their flu shot. We do our best to make it quick and easy, so calling ahead helps us be prepared for the patient,” said Bireline.